On the 21st April 2016, Rushmere Noach Attorneys welcomed Lizelle Knott, a two-time cancer survivor and Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist to address ladies at a business breakfast in the bay ahead of Mrs South Africa CANSA Gala dinner in Johannesburg on the 29th of April.
Lizelle – a loving mother of a three-year-old boy, Grayson; devoted wife to Warren Knott and two-time cancer survivor – shared her journey and fight against cancer. A very emotional Lizelle spoke about her ordeal and of her healing journey; she highlighted the importance of having both mammogram and breast sonar if you have any concerns about your diagnostic test. Lizelle thanked surgeons, Dr Linda Whitelock Jones from Bay Breast Care Centre in PE and Plastic surgeon, Dr Chris Van der Walt who was instrumental during her journey and would always reply to emails after 12pm at night with any concerns that she had. She also spoke about being one of the first patients to participate in Cold Cap Therapy to limit the loss of her hair. According to the website www.coldcap.com the process is very effective “The caps are frozen to minus 30 degrees and then are applied to the scalp, the blood vessels that would otherwise carry the drug agents harmful to hair follicles become constricted (vasoconstriction). If the blood vessels in the scalp are properly cooled (both temperature and duration), this should prohibit the cancer-fighting drugs from reaching the hair follicles. As the caps are only applied to the scalp, the drug agents are then free to work throughout the rest of the body to eradicate the cancerous cells.” It is well tolerated by most people but can be very uncomfortable and Lizelle had a few neat tricks such as two electric hot water bottles and cut-up panty liners to protect her ears and forehead.
“The first few hours of chemotherapy treatment is a critical time to protect the hair roots so that hair does not fall out. I didn’t want my little boy to be frightened by seeing my hair fall out. To be scared by my illness.” She also shared her joy in participating in the number one pageant for married women in South Africa whose purpose is to empower women. Her involvement in the pageant is due to the fact that CANSA is the sole beneficiary. This is of course, a cause very close to her heart and being part of it will enable her to raise much-needed awareness and funds.
Director of Rushmere Noach Incorporated, Liane Koorsse shared her thoughts in putting together the breakfast. “Lizelle’s story is a gift of inspiration that speaks of hope, determination, fearlessness, love and life. We at Rushmere have been affected by Cancer (in various forms) in some way or another and so it is a cause very close to our hearts. We wanted to share her incredible story with women in our community and are excited to be part of this Women Empowerment program that is Mrs South Africa as Lizelle’s Silver Sponsor and we look forward to this journey with her.”
As a PE based law firm, Rushmere Noach Attorney’s encourages a strong social responsibility ethic and supports many charities across the bay. Cancer Survivor, Board member and representative for the Igazi Foundation, Zodwa Dube also attended the breakfast.
“Rushmere Noach is proud to be Lizelle’s Silver sponsor for the Mrs South Africa pageant and invites and encourages the Port Elizabeth community to support Lizelle Knott by voting for her to reach the finals by liking the Mrs South Africa Facebook page and Lizelle’s picture as seen above.
To learn more about Lizelle Knott click here for her Brand profile or follow her Facebook page “Lizelle Knott”.
